Quiet, Powerful, Everyday Impact

“So we, though we are a number of persons, are one body in Christ, and are dependent on one another.” (Rom. 12:5, BBE)

The other day, I was about to start my workout routine. As a first step in that direction, I added small clips to my hair to keep it out of my face. Although I had done nothing else in preparation, my youngest daughter was onto me. “Mommy, are you going to exercise?” Lily’s sweet voice piped up. “How did you know, sweetie?” I asked. She pointed, smiling, at the clips.

I beamed back at my sharp little girl. This exchange with her was a fresh reminder of what close observation I am always under as a mom. Additionally, it provoked reflection on the general principle touching all of our lives: there are eyes on each of us, all the time. As a result, we are continually impacting those around us.

Even actions that seem inconsequential can make, or break, someone else’s day. Just yesterday, a friend gratefully described a recent moment when a drive-through cashier made the effort to compliment her. Being told she was beautiful brightened her afternoon so much, she was still thinking about it hours afterwards.

God created us to be influenced by each other. “We are members of one another” (Eph. 4:25). This means that, as Christ’s body, we have connective tissue running between us in spirit. Though it is not physical, it is incredibly real. We are inseparably joined together. We belong to each other. Our creation design is to be dependent on each other, to need each other, and to be powerfully impacted by one another.

Holy Spirit will train us to appreciate and even cherish this interconnectivity. At the same time, He will teach us to recognize the propensity in others to be influenced by everything we say and do. In His unsearchable wisdom, He has strategically placed specific people in our lives. He loves these people very deeply. Let’s carefully cultivate awareness of how our words and actions are constantly impacting their thoughts, emotions, and even decisions. We are all leading, every day!

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Have you ever had an unexpected reminder that your life is being observed by others?

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31 thoughts on “Quiet, Powerful, Everyday Impact”

Jennifer this is a lovely reflection and reinforces in my thoughts that I am under His care and protection. Another thought that was provoked is the evident difference, however, connected are the body of Christ and the organized church. Why any hierarchy? Ordainment? I am severely ignorant of all the details of how things have evolved the way they have. So many are clearly blessed with gifts to share, outside of the organization of “churches”, that are, in my view integral parts of His body.

Absolutely, Jeff! Every single one of us has a vitally important gift and contribution to share with His body. I do believe that the specific leadership gifts mentioned in Ephesians 5 of apostle, pastor, teacher, etc. are an important part of taking part of His sheep, but that spiritual authority is very much given for the purpose of serving in great humility, not for lording it over anyone.

Thank you so much for your encouraging words, and for taking the time the time to share your thoughts! I value them very much 🙂

Just the other day, an elderly man [he is 73- I am 70 ?!] said to me, Leonard, you are a genuine person, I have watched you for three months and you live by what you say [we both work together]. I have been sharing with him the love of Jesus and expressing my hope in the Lord our God. What a greater testimony then living and walking in the Spirit. Len

Oh yes, I certainly have! Recently we had both kids, with significant others along with a young couple I married last summer in our home for a dinner to celebrate my wife’s birthday. We shared a great meal served with abundant laughter.
The next day, as we walked our dogs, the young guy who ate with us commented how much he hoped that some day his family would gather around a table and just enjoy each other as he had seen us do.
He was watching as you write about today, Jennifer. I took the opportunity to tell him it was not always this way: that there have been big struggles along the way. Yet I assured him that through them all, Betsy and I have never faith that God is a healer of hearts and relationships and that He has led us to this season of peace we are in.
Thanks for sharing this thought provoking blog,
Chuck

Chuck, that testimony brought a smile to my face and such joy to my heart. Truly, thank you for sharing and edifying us with a living example of the goodness of God! I rejoice to know how faithful He has been to your family. He is indeed such a beautiful Healer, such a beautiful Restorer! The richest of blessings to you and yours, my brother 🙂

Your last paragraph is absolutely profound. All believers, especially the ordained (but everyone), are called to step up and do more and be more for Christ. We are called to see the face of Christ in others, and be the face of Christ for others. It has made me view differently something as simple as going to the grocery, because I don’t know who I’ll run into who might need a moment. But if we let Christ work through us, it’s all good. He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called! — Mike

That’s so, so good, and so, so true, Mike! It’s those everyday moments that are so critically important. And truly, they show what’s really in our hearts. If we are faithful “in the little,” at the grocery story, etc., then He can entrust us with more. Thank you so much for your insightful words!

Beautiful and meaningful post, Jennifer. Thank you. Yes indeed when you actively write or proclaim Christ as your Lord and Savour then you are watched even when you don’t know it. of course I fail. What comes out is certainly not what I have put in but Thank God He knows our hearts and on going repentance can keep our hearts aligned with His. Yes even little children ‘notice’ our actions. When I taught RI in state schools it was the children who knew when my day was NOT fully God Focussed. They would ask ‘Is it time for prayer now, Mrs. R.?’ again thank you for the post.

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